The Wave Cave - Superstition Mountains

We would like to offer, once again, our signature Wave Cave hiking adventure! This trail has become incredibly popular since we first posted it to 3H and published it on the HikeAZ website many years ago. PLEASE NOTE: We will start from is the Lost Gold Mine East Trailhead off of Peralta Road.

In 2011, when we took the photo you see here, there had been no descriptions of this area available online, or in any guidebook. No shoe prints inside the cave. We hiked it many times over the course of a year without seeing a soul. In March of 2012, we finally opted to share the route here (http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=548), and we are excited to post it again for our members to experience.

As we have said, since originally posting this hiking route, it has become an increasingly popular destination for Superstition Mountain adventurers. Signage has even been posted in recent months, but many still get turned around out there. Be aware, there is still some bushwhacking, boulder-hopping, confusing cairns going the wrong way, steep, slippery inclines/descents, loose dirt/gravel, a great cave, and some of the best scenery the Superstition Mountains have to offer. Wonderful solitude. Relaxing day. On another day, this is also a great route up to the Ridgeline. Still interested? Read on.

This is a shorter hike out near Peralta. 4 miles, at best, but it is a tough little route. Don't be fooled...extra water is a good idea. This was a very faint, overgrown trail (likely dating to the 50's-60's when there was a campground in the area) that we rediscovered, and quietly resurrected several years back. We used to recommend long sleeves/pants (and perhaps gloves) due to some catclaw, and the generally overgrown nature of the "trail" in spots, but it is no longer required, as the trail continues to widen over the years. Of course, snakes (and other critters) may be present, and can be hard to spot due to the vegetation. In addition, a constant presence of bees has been noted at the cave (similar to those found at Wind Cave in the Goldfields). Stay away from them and you should be fine, but if they are a concern for you, this may not be your hike. Many might find walking sticks/poles helpful on this hike, though they are, also, not required.

Group size is restricted to 15 by Wilderness rules.

Distance: Approximately 4 miles

Accumulated Elevation Gain: About 1000 feet

Hike Time: Expect to spend 2 1/2 to 3 hours on this trek depending on the group's speed.

Difficulty: This hike, although relatively short, is steep, and should be considered moderately difficult depending on your abilities.

What To Bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, camera, snacks/lunch, sturdy footwear, and your sense of adventure.
Note: There is no water at the trailhead.

LOST GOLD MINE EAST TRAILHEAD LOCATION: From Phoenix, travel east on US 60 to Peralta Road which is just east of mile post 204, and turn north on Peralta Road (a well marked, stop-lighted intersection). The road is paved, but becomes gravel after about one mile. It is well graded and traveled by many cars, but SUV are preferable. At 5.5 miles from the US 60, follow the sign and take the left fork up the hill to the well marked Lost Gold Mine Trail Head where you turn left into the large parking lot.

AGAIN, PLEASE NOTE: This is not the Carney Springs or the Peralta Trailhead. This trailhead is on the left, beyond Carney and well before Peralta.

No formal carpool location is set, but please feel free to use the comment section below if you wish to offer/make carpool arrangements with fellow members.

Due to the nature of this hike, it is recommended that we keep within close proximity of each other. We will stop at each junction to assure we have everybody, but if you are ahead of the hike leaders, you are on your own. Additionally, and, as always, you assume all liability and risks associated with participating in such an adventure.